Mission StatementThe Department of Social Work prepares generalist social workers committed to strengthening community life for diverse individuals, families and organizations and promoting social justice through advocacy and action. It offers a program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which leads to the B.S.W. degree. In addition, the department offers minors in family studies, gerontology and nonprofit studies.

The Department of Social Work is committed to the following:

Preparing students to work effectively in a broad spectrum of social service agencies by providing an environment geared to addressing poverty, multiple forms of oppression, social injustice and other human rights violations.

Being recognized by our students, graduates, field agencies and the professional community for excellence and integrity in academic programs, advancement of professional knowledge and professional service.

Being responsive and oriented to the professional, local community and university's service region by providing supportive services and continuing education opportunities.

The Social Work Organization (SWO) offers the opportunity to socialize, meet professionals and volunteer in the community. Membership in SWO is open to any student interested in a career in the helping professions.

Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work's purpose is to promote academic excellence among social work students. Membership in Phi Alpha is by invitation to students with a minimum of nine credit hours in required social work course, holding a major grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 and a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

National Association of Social Workers serves the critical and diverse needs of the entire social work profession. The National Association of Social Workers-Program Unit, a student unit of this nationally recognized organization, is under the auspices of the Whitney Young District, Virginia NASW. Membership is open to all social work majors and provides opportunities for both social and professional enrichment.

Social Work Program
Students may declare a major in social work at any time; however, they must apply for admission to the social work program the semester following completion of SOWK 287, Introduction to Social Work, and SOWK 288, Social Welfare. For unconditional admittance, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 with no single grade lower than a "C" (2.0) in SOWK 287 and SOWK 288, and have completed the 20 hours of community service work required in SOWK 287. Students are evaluated on the basis of community service and life experiences, academic performance, communication skills, work related habits, ability to work with others, motivation, value orientation and career plans. Students must complete this process or admission to upper-level courses will be restricted. See the Social Work Handbook or the Social Work website for guidelines.

Applications are reviewed by two or more social work faculty members who make a recommendation to the head of the social work department. The student will be notified of the decision in writing. Decisions are to admit, to admit conditionally, not to admit, or to defer decision. You will have one opportunity per semester to resubmit the application. If you fail to submit or resubmit a document that is still incorrect, you will be required to wait until the next semester deadline to resubmit. While this could potentially slow your progression in the major, it acknowledges your role of accountability in the process, a quality that will be essential for professional practice.

If admitted conditionally, the conditions for acceptance will be described. If the decision is deferred, the student will be notified in writing as to why. If not admitted, the student may appeal the decision to the head of the Department of Social Work.

Field Practicum Application

Students admitted into the social work practicum are seniors who have completed the core social work requirements, with no grade lower than a "C" (2.0) in SOWK 287, SOWK 288, SOWK 305, SOWK 317, SOWK 320, SOWK 335, SOWK 465, SOWK 466 and SOWK 467, have an overall GPA of 2.0, and who have completed 50 community service hours related to human services after SOWK 287, are eligible for field practicum.

During the field practicum, students spend four days a week for one semester completing a minimum of 472 hours of directed field practice. Students seeking admission to SOWK 481, Social Work Field Practicum I, and SOWK 482, Social Work Field Practicum II, must complete a field placement application and interview with the director of field placement. The field placement director, with the assistance of social work faculty members, will determine the acceptance and placement of students.

See the Social Work Handbook or the Social Work website for the field application, documentation of community service guidelines and guidelines for the placement process. Students must have no grade lower than a "C" (2.0) in SOWK 481, SOWK 482 and SOWK 494, which is taken concurrently with the field practicum.

The minimum requirement for the B.S.W. degree is completion of the General Education requirements, 42 credit hours of core social work courses, prerequisite courses as specified in course descriptions and elective hours, six of which must be in social work, for a total of 120 credit hours. If a grade of "C" (2.0) or above is not achieved the first time a social work course is taken, the student may repeat the course only once. All social work majors are expected to abide by the NASW Code of Ethics. Additionally, all majors participate in social work student outcome assessment measures.

The cross disciplinary minor in Family Studies is designed for undergraduates seeking enhancement of their major, desiring to increase understanding of self and relationships, and seeking to make a positive contribution to society. For a full description of the requirements for this minor, see Cross Disciplinary Programs.

The cross disciplinary minor in Gerontology is designed for any undergraduate major desiring a concentration of study of aging for personal understanding or career preparation. For a full description of the requirements for this minor, see Cross Disciplinary Programs.

The Nonprofit studies minor prepares students from a variety of disciplines to understand the unique role of nonprofit organizations in American society today. Emphasis is placed on history, theory, legal issues and management topics. The minor includes a capstone seminar and a field experience in a nonprofit agency with the focus to be determined in conjunction with the adviser. For a full description of the requirements for this minor, see Cross Disciplinary Programs.